1. Pre-Shoot Communication is Key
* The Consultation (Phone or Email): Before the shoot, have a conversation (even a brief one) about clothing. This shows you care about the final product and allows you to tailor your advice to the individual and the overall vision.
* Ask about the purpose of the portrait: "What will you be using these photos for?" (LinkedIn profile, family photos, personal branding, a gift, etc.) This drastically changes the clothing suggestions.
* Discuss location and style: "We'll be shooting outdoors in a park" or "I'm going for a modern, clean look in the studio." Location and style greatly influences clothing choices.
* Inquire about their comfort zone: "What kind of clothes do you feel confident and comfortable in?" Confidence translates to better photos.
* Send a Style Guide (highly recommended): A well-designed PDF with visual examples of what works and what doesn't is invaluable. We'll discuss elements of a style guide later.
2. General Guidelines (Easy to Communicate)
* Prioritize Fit and Comfort: Clothes that fit well and feel good are paramount. Ill-fitting clothing will be noticeable in photos. Encourage them to try on their outfits beforehand and move around to ensure comfort.
* Solid Colors are Generally Best: Solid colors tend to be less distracting than busy patterns. They keep the focus on the subject's face.
* Exceptions: Subtle textures (like a cable-knit sweater) can add visual interest. Small, classic patterns (like a very fine herringbone) can sometimes work. Avoid anything too bold or trendy that will date the photo quickly.
* Coordinate, Don't Match (For Group Portraits): Avoid everyone wearing the exact same outfit (think matching white shirts and jeans). Instead, suggest a color palette. For example: "Let's aim for a color scheme of blues, grays, and creams." Different shades and textures within that palette create visual harmony without being overly uniform.
* Consider the Background: Think about the color of the background and choose clothing that complements it. Avoid wearing colors that are too similar to the background, as the subject might blend in.
* Accessorize Thoughtfully: Accessories can add personality, but they should be chosen carefully. Avoid anything too large, distracting, or trendy. Simple jewelry, scarves, hats (if appropriate), and belts can enhance the look.
* Avoid Logos and Graphics: Logos and graphics are distracting and can date the photo. Opt for plain clothing whenever possible.
* Wrinkle-Free is a Must: Iron or steam clothing before the shoot. Wrinkles are very noticeable in photos and can be difficult to remove in post-processing.
3. Specific Suggestions Based on Portrait Type
* Professional Headshots (LinkedIn, Corporate):
* Classic and Timeless: Aim for a professional and polished look.
* Business Attire: Suit jacket, blouse, button-down shirt, dress, or sweater.
* Neutral Colors: Navy, gray, black, white, cream, or muted jewel tones.
* Avoid: Anything too casual, revealing, or trendy.
* Tip: Consider the color of your company's branding.
* Family Portraits:
* Coordinate by Color Palette: Choose 2-3 colors and have everyone wear different shades and textures within that palette.
* Comfort is Key (especially for kids): Choose clothes that are comfortable and allow for movement.
* Consider the Location: Outfits should be appropriate for the setting (e.g., jeans and t-shirts for a park, dressier clothes for a formal garden).
* Avoid: Logos, graphics, and overly busy patterns.
* Tip: Lay out all the outfits together to see how they look as a group.
* Couples Portraits:
* Complementary Styles: Choose outfits that complement each other in terms of color, style, and formality.
* Avoid: Wearing the exact same outfit.
* Tip: Think about the story you want to tell with the photos. Are you going for a romantic, playful, or sophisticated vibe?
* Senior Portraits:
* Showcase Personality: Choose outfits that reflect the senior's individual style and interests.
* Variety: Encourage the senior to bring several different outfits to choose from.
* Consider Activities: Include clothing related to their hobbies, sports, or clubs.
* Tip: Avoid anything too trendy or revealing.
* Maternity Portraits:
* Comfort and Fit: Choose clothes that are comfortable and flatter the growing belly.
* Flowing Fabrics: Loose-fitting dresses and skirts can create a beautiful, ethereal look.
* Solid Colors: Solid colors help to emphasize the shape of the belly.
* Consider the Season: Choose fabrics and colors that are appropriate for the time of year.
* Tip: Bring a few different outfits to create variety.
4. Creating a Style Guide (Highly Recommended)
A well-designed style guide can save you a lot of time and effort. It provides clear, visual examples of what works and what doesn't. Here's what to include:
* Introduction: Explain the purpose of the guide and why clothing choices are important.
* General Guidelines: (As mentioned above) Solid colors, fit, comfort, etc.
* Color Palette Suggestions: Include several color palette examples with images of clothing in those colors. Use a tool like Adobe Color or Coolors to create harmonious palettes.
* What to Avoid: Include images of distracting patterns, logos, ill-fitting clothing, and anything else you want to discourage.
* Accessories: Provide examples of appropriate accessories.
* Hair and Makeup: Offer suggestions for hair and makeup, especially for professional headshots.
* Examples of Great Outfits: Showcase images of people wearing outfits that would photograph well. Include a variety of styles and body types.
* Location Considerations: If you shoot in specific locations, provide outfit suggestions that are appropriate for those locations.
* Contact Information: Include your contact information in case your subjects have questions.
* Visual Appeal: Make the guide visually appealing with high-quality images and a clean, modern design. Use Canva or a similar tool to create a professional-looking guide.
5. During the Shoot
* Be Observant: Pay attention to how the clothing looks under the studio lights or in natural light.
* Offer Gentle Adjustments: If something looks amiss (a collar is askew, a strap is showing), politely point it out and offer to help fix it.
* Be Positive and Encouraging: Make your subjects feel confident and comfortable in their clothing choices.
Example Phrases to Use
* "For these portraits, solid colors tend to work best."
* "I think a [color] top would really make your eyes pop."
* "How do you feel about wearing something [style]?"
* "This location is very [adjective], so let's aim for outfits that are [complementary adjective]."
* "I've created a style guide with some helpful suggestions. I'll send it over!"
* "Do you have any questions about what to wear?"
* "Bring a few options so we can decide what photographs best when you arrive."
Important Considerations:
* Be Respectful: Avoid making judgments about your subject's personal style.
* Be Flexible: Sometimes, the "rules" can be broken. Be open to trying new things and experimenting.
* Your Expertise: Ultimately, you are the photographer. If you see something that will improve the image, gently suggest it. Explain *why* you are making the suggestion.
* Focus on the Face: Remember that the clothing should complement the subject, not distract from their face.
By following these guidelines, you can help your subjects choose clothing that will enhance their portraits and create images that they will cherish for years to come. Good communication is the key to a successful shoot!